Howls in the night

5... Acting strange

We headed back from the lake when we saw it was 4:30. As we walked to the house the memories of the lake recoiled in my mind.

After I jumped off of the lake, Elsa met up with me and we swam all around the lake. We spent the time playing around with each other until now. It was one of the best days I have had in a long time. By the look on Elsa's happy face it was one of hers as well.

When we reached the cabin Rita was crying outside the little balcony on the front, while swaying back and forth on the rocking chair. As she saw us she got up and ran towards us.

"Thank god we didn't lose you too." She said while hugging us tight.

"Lose us too? Who else got lost?" Elsa spoke in a worried tone, while separating from the reassuring hug. Rita's eyes watered more as she struggled to speak.

"H-he wa-was going to take a sh- short bathroom break while me and Luke talked and then... Then... He didn't come... Back." James, he never came back.

"When was the last time you saw him." I spoke quickly trying to find the facts and keep  some hope in my voice.

"He was behind the bush... When he didn't come I checked, and he was not there anymore." She said and I looked down trying to find an explanation in my mind. Trying to find a reason he was no longer there. Even though I had 100 myths I knew none of them were true. I came up empty

"Maybe he'll-"

"Then I tried contacting you through the walkie talkie, and you didn't answer!" She yelled interrupting my sentence.

"It's all your fault! If you would have answered we might have found him!" As I went to her and tried hugging her she pushed me away.

"I'm sure he's alright." Elsa whispered while leaving us to speak. Right as she was gone Rita looked at me with tears.

"Get away from me!" She screamed as endless tears streamed her cheeks.

"Rita listen!" I yelled getting her attention.

"He will come back by tomorrow! I just know he will. And if anything then I will go and look for him myself!" I said and rushed in the house, my mind flooding with thoughts.

What if he does not come back? What if something happened to him and I can't find him? I can't lose him, he has been my best friend since we were 5.

I ended up skipping dinner and going straight to bed after a quick shower to wash the lake water out.

He will come back, won't he?

When Elsa entered the room tears threatened to spill from her eyes as she ran onto the bed and cuddles on to me. I hugged around her waist as we both fell asleep together. Without a word, and looking at the wooden ceiling.
*****

I woke up to the sound of cheering downstairs. As I looked next to me an empty space lay. Where is Elsa? When I look at the time it reads 9:50. What is everybody doing? Then I remember yesterday.

"James?" I ask as I quickly remove my blankets and run outside to where James stand, scratch less.

"James! You're okay!" I say while bringing him into a hug. He stood their stunned for a second before returning the friendly gesture.

"Where the hell did you go!?" I said while letting him go. As he was summing up his journey from yesterday in his head I studied him. He seemed different.

His plain hair was now a sleek and shiny blond, and his already toned muscles looked stronger, and his once crooked stance was straight and strong. He looked invincible if you ask me. I knew something else was off about him but I could not put my finger on it.